thumb index

noun
1.
a series of labeled notches cut along the fore edge of a book, to indicate the divisions or sections.
Origin
1900-05

thumb-index

[thuhm-in-deks] /ˈθʌmˌɪn dɛks/
verb (used with object)
1.
to provide (a book) with a thumb index.
British Dictionary definitions for thumb index

thumb index

noun
1.
a series of indentations cut into the fore edge of a book to facilitate quick reference
verb
2.
(transitive) to furnish with a thumb index